Wrongful Death Lawsuits Over Fatal Aviation Accidents

By Michael Verna on March 21, 2018

According to To70 (a Dutch aviation consulting firm) and the Aviation Safety Network, 2017 was the safest year ever for commercial airlines in terms of fatal accidents and fatalities. To70 estimated 1 fatal accident for every 16 million flights. The Aviation Safety Network estimates 10 fatal airliner accidents resulting in 44 airliner fatalities. Still, the National Transportation Safety Board estimated there were 238 fatal aviation accidents in 2015, resulting in 406 fatalities.

Even though the industry is getting even safer than ever and you only have a 1 in 11 million chance of dying in a plane crash, accidents do happen, and when they do, it’s important to have the Oakland, CA aviation accident lawyers of Bowles & Verna on your side.

Pilot Mistakes or Negligence

Mistakes by a pilot can potentially result in a fatal plane crash, these incidents are rare today thanks to modern technology that assists pilots in the cockpit. Even still, pilots may not be as experienced as they ought to be since licensing to become a pilot is not always as stringent as it could be.

Pilots may make any number of errors, from failing to prepare for a flight to mismanaging fuel to failing to turn on auto pilot. These issues are made worse in that co-pilots are there to assist with any issues should they arise.

Errors by Flight Attendants and Crew

Pilots aren't the only people tasked with the safety of passengers. Flight attendants may make crucial mistakes during a flight or an emergency situation that result in a fatality. In these cases, the flight crew is an impediment to a safe evacuation, blocking an aisle or failing to assist others in need.

Even seemingly minor matters could prove fatal. Say that there is a person on a flight that is allergic to peanuts. The passenger informs the flight crew of this fact. If the flight crew provides the passenger or nearby passengers with a snack that contains peanuts, there is the risk of a severe and potentially fatal anaphylactic shock.

Liability of the Airline

Airlines may have practices that put their planes, pilots, and passengers at risk. Poor maintenance and repair of aircraft makes them more likely to crash or run into problems while in the air. Pilots could be underpaid and underworked by the air carrier, making accidents more likely as a result of fatigue.

When the fault is with the air carrier rather than the flight crew, the air carrier must be held accountable for these dangerous practices.

Defective Aircraft Parts

The parts of any vehicle may malfunction or fail, resulting in accidents and the heightened risk of fatalities. When flight crews and air carriers act safely and the part is the primary contributing factor to an accident, the makers of the airplane part must be held accountable.

Your Legal Rights After Losing a Loved One in a Plane Crash

If you have lost a loved one in a plane crash, our attorneys can discuss your legal options in greater detail. Seeking compensatory damages and punitive damages against the airline can help address the losses you have experienced and aid your family in moving forward.

Legal actions like yours can also help bring about industry-wide reforms that make aviation accidents and fatalities less likely. We will offer peace of mind and sound counsel every step of the way.

Contact the Lawyers of Bowles & Verna

For more information about your legal options following a fatal aviation accident, be sure to contact the lawyers of Bowles & Verna. We will help you during this trying time, and provide you with peace of mind as the legal process unfolds.